Caligula's Assassination
January 24, 41 AD · Classical Antiquity
Caligula was the third Roman emperor, ruling from 37 to 41. In early 41, Caligula was assassinated as a result of a conspiracy by officers of the Praetorian Guard, senators, and courtiers. The conspirators' attempt to use the opportunity to restore the Roman Republic was thwarted, however. On the day of the assassination of Caligula, the Praetorians declared Caligula's uncle, Claudius, the next Roman emperor.
Key Figures
CaligulaCassius ChaereaCornelius SabinusClaudius
Locations
Palatine Hill CryptoporticusImperial Palace on Palatine Hill
Topics
leaderassassinationromeRoman EmpirePraetorian Guardconspiracy
Connected Events — 3 Connections
Claudius was proclaimed emperor immediately after Caligula assassination; his need for political legitimacy motivated the British invasion two years later Claudius Orders the Roman Invasion of Britain
Caesar assassination and subsequent civil wars ended the Roman Republic and created the imperial system under Augustus, establishing the Julio-Claudian dynasty from which Caligula ruled as third emperor Julius Caesar Assassinated
Germanicus was Caligula father; the popularity Germanicus earned on the Rhine campaigns contributed to the political standing that made Caligula a viable imperial successor Germanicus Leads Punitive Campaigns Across the Rhine
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